The Concept of the Elite in Sociology

The contemporary and new classification of ideas and the elite theory is proposed in this book. Through a systematic approach, it shows how ideas and concepts of the rule of the elite on one side and democracy on another were referred to as totally different concepts at the beginning. However, these two concepts have come closer as time has passed. Therefore, contemporary theories now support the concept that democracy is the competition between the members of the elite who are in power. Contrary to other publications in this field, the authors are going to try to confirm the hypothesis that Marx's theory was elitist. With this classification of ideas and theories, this study aims to show that the elite concept has appeared and developed since Plato`s time up until modern elitist concepts. Having that in mind, this study shows elite definitions by different theoreticians, its social function and its relation to the mass.

Autorentext

Dr. Smiljana Mirkov is a Professor of Sociology, Sociology of Fashion and Engineer's Ethics at the Technical College of Applied Sciences in Zrenjanin, Serbia. Dr. Marija Runic Ristic is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Management, University Union, Belgrade, Serbia.